Graduate Student Development of Outreach and Educational Materials for the Kickoff of IYS - Soil Sustains Life.

Tasked with the privilege of kicking of the International Year of Soils, graduate students from UC Davis, in conjunction with Dr. Kate Scow, collaborated to create educational resources and outreach materials, surrounding the theme “Soils Sustain Life.”  We decided to approach this overarching theme from four perspectives, which we found to be paramount to raising awareness surrounding the value and importance of soil.  

First, we addressed the fact that soil is alive and complex, in order to inspire reverence for the soil, as well as challenge a new generation of soil scientists to tackle the complexity and mystery of soils.  Second, we acknowledged the fact that soils are constantly being created and destroyed, as a call to action to preserve our most precious resource, while reminding that they are still a non-renewable resource on our timescale.  Third, we showed that soil is everywhere, so that no matter where someone lives or what situation they find themselves in, they can discover and explore the secrets of the soil.  Finally, we introduced the concept of ecosystem services and all of the goods and services that soil provides to us free of charge and upon which our lives and our society depend.   

After deciding on our subthemes, we divided into groups of 2-3 and developed lesson plans and member activities for a variety of age groups to be housed on the SSSA and IYS website.  Working together on this project, energized the campus around IYS and spearheaded a number of on-campus events to promote IYS, as well as a seminar focused on continuing our efforts in education and outreach.

See more from this Division: SSSA Division: Soil Education and Outreach
See more from this Session: Symposium--The International Year of Soils Monthly Themes

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